PROCTORVILLE — You just never know where volunteer work will lead you.

The Fairland Dragons’ Kyle Kincaid turned volunteer work into a full-time job after signing a letter-of-intent to become a member of the Berea (Ky.) College track team.

“I was in the seventh grade and the coach asked who wanted to pole vault and I volunteered,” said Kincaid.

“I ended up jumping eight feet, so I stuck with it.”

Not only has Kincaid stayed with the pole vault event, he has increased his clearing height each year. This season he cleared his personal-best height at 13-feet, 6-inches.

By reaching such lofty heights on a high school level, the 5-foot-6 Kincaid opened the door to continue his career at the college level.

“I never thought about (a college career). When I started out, I just wanted to have fun,” said Kincaid. “Once I got close to 13-feet, I knew I had a chance.”

Kincaid decided on Berea over Marietta College for several reasons, one of which was from a financial standpoint. The four-year scholarship is valued at more than $100,000.

“Berea was a lot better decision. I’m getting a full scholarship and at Marietta they would have only paid my room and board. And my pole vault coach (at Berea) is awesome,” said Kincaid.

The Dragons’ senior vaulter has cleared 13-6 and has already qualified for the regional track meet in Division II.

Kincaid would like to advance to the nationals at the college level.

“I’d like to go down there and compete for the nationals. I think the qualifying height was 14-11 at (the NAIA) level. Having a pole vault coach should help out and I’ll have a better pole selection and all those pole vault machines to work with,” said Kincaid.

Kyle, the son of Denise Kincaid and Dean Kincaid, is planning to major in psychology.